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Shake off the rain.

We've all been there, pedaling through a ten-mile trail ride when the heavens open up and start dumping rain at prolific rates. These soaking situations suck to say the least, usually happening in late autumn and spring when rapidly changing weather threatens everyday rides and longer weekend jaunts. Prepare yourself for inclement weather on the trail with the waterproof protection and breathable comfort of the 100% Hydromatic Men's Short.

This wet-weather riding short features a 2.5-layer membrane that's both fully waterproof and extremely breathable, allowing you to ride for hours in driving rain, dewy forest environments, and puddle splashes on the trail. Fully sealed seams prevent moisture from soaking through the short's tiniest seams, making it an impenetrable fortress from nature's onslaught of soaking rain and drizzly conditions. Since it's extremely breathable, you won't succumb to built-up perspiration and overheating issues, even in humid environments where sweating is usually inevitable.

Besides being fully waterproof and highly breathable, the Hydromatic Short features waterproof zippered pockets that keep valuables safe and sound in wet weather. It's designed to effortlessly slip over your favorite chamois, offering up plenty of room to move, but without being overly baggy and cumbersome while you're pedaling. Furthermore, there's internal waist adjusters for fine-tuning the fit, as well as reflective logos for enhanced visibility after dark.

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Not durable and poor fit for purpose

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

A solid pair of shorts for rain riding should cover most (if not all) of the knee, while also being durable. Yeah, the feeling of heavy waterproof material sucks, but if you're riding in those sorts of conditions that truly warrant waterproof shorts, you probably aren't thinking too much about the weight of the fabric on your shorts.

I live and ride in Seattle, and bought these shorts given the promise of a stretch waterproof fabric, and, well, the looks. Turns out 100% has some work to do on these. Firstly, the shorts are, well, too short. I don't have particularly long femurs, but they come to just above my knees. In a riding position, this means my knees are fully exposed to rain, mud, etc. After 2 rides and following the care instructions perfectly, the waterproof taping around both zippered pockets started to bubble, peel, and tear, despite no crashes and giving them an easy rinse-and-wipe after riding. On the crashing note, while the fabric is very comfortable and does have a nice stretch to it, it's very, very thin and does not feel like it would stand up to unanticipated encounters with the forest floor.

Do not recommend. Fortunately, Backcountry is awesome and taking them back on warranty and replacing with shorts from another brand.